By A-Jay Eddy

The lack of accountability and credibility may sometimes expose us to fraud and other ethical challenges.

In a recent issue of the Sun-Sentinel, it was reported that Mike Cruz, a community activist involved in the Oakland Park, Pride of South Florida Festival (a 501(c)(3) Charity), embezzled funds to the estimated tune of $47,000. The prosecutor, Jared Glass, asked Judge Andrew Siegel to sentence Cruz appropriately. Apparently, Cruz now has to serve a jail term, followed up by probation, and then faces a requirement to repay the stolen money in increments.

Pride of South Florida’s Vice President, Marc Hanson, and the charitable organization’s Treasurer, Joel Slotnick, urged the judge to be lenient and show mercy on their long-time friend. They pleaded with the judge, claiming that Cruz should be put on probation and offered counseling for gambling addiction.

Why is it that our community has seemingly had a less than stellar record in several situations regarding the oversight of monies that were entrusted to the leaders of some of these clubs and charitable groups? Does it seem that, in some cases, when the cash flows in, the opportunists run to the trough to feed on the hard work of others and eat away at the contributions caring individuals offer for a worthy cause?

What’s happened to the professional approach to adhering to standard accounting practices and principles for bookkeepers and treasures who volunteer for these worthy fund-raising groups? Most importantly, where are the slothful officers of the corporation who had the responsibility for oversight when committee management and financial reports are formally presented by the Treasurer to the leadership at Board meetings? Many believe it’s customary, especially for a 501(c)(3), that meetings be run according Robert’s Rules, where financial and management reports are screened by the board members.

Last year, Pride of Greater Fort Lauderdale, who was responsible for the June Stonewall Street and Parade, also ran into problems which you may or may not have read about in the press. In all fairness, these cases are not isolated, and there are other situations that may have been swept under the carpet because of  so-called friendships. Two wrongs will never make it right.

Pride is something we have a lot to be proud about, because it’s humanitarian in its objectives and focus. It is the opposite of greed and corruption, which leaves many with a sour taste in their mouths and often hurts other honest, credible and accountable groups, leaving them high and dry because of mistrust.

All is not lost, because there are competent and honorable individuals out there with a credible record of achievement. Paul Hyman, Executive Director of the Pride Center, just to name one, demonstrates to us that talent is available if we seek it out. We also have to look to the City of Wilton Manors and its Commissioners for saving the spirit and concept of the Stonewall Street Festival and Parade. Their involvement has enabled that event to again continue on in the spirit that Karl Clark, Terry Norman and some other early activists initially envisioned for the June Wilton Manors event.

While they claim history repeats itself, let’s avoid our mishaps by not falling asleep at the helm. Let’s demonstrate our credible leadership skills, show a trail of accountability and present a picture of ethical responsibility to those we proudly serve.

A-Jay Eddy